OUR MOTTO: EDUCATION THROUGH EXPERIENCE
ABOUT US
“For of those to whom much is given, much is required.” JFK
Based in Reno, Nevada, NOW is a community-based, innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Formed to encourage, support, and facilitate the pursuit of a higher education by helping bridge the academic gap between high school and college.
NOW prepares students for college and career readiness – offering a free college preparatory program culminating with a local college tour and a weeklong college tour of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU). NOW educates students through experience by exposing and providing an enhanced awareness of the college application process, academic programs, college entrance requirements, financial resources, and leadership and personal development information.
Students often need assistance in determining college or career choices. In an increasingly competitive world, NOW helps students prepare for critical admission tests, such as SAT and ACT tests, essay writing to assist with and provide support to increase retention and progress toward graduation.
The purpose of NOW is to provide opportunity, choices and resources to youth who aspire to achieve a college education and to align those youths at an early stage with strategies that will give them the best chance to succeed.
OUR MISSION
NOW provides career and college readiness assistance, empowering youth to aspire, learn about, prepare for and achieve a college education.
NOW’s mission is to inspire youth to achieve the highest standards of intellectual and personal development through a stimulating and comprehensive college preparatory program.
HISTORY
NOW was formed to encourage, support, and facilitate the pursuit of a higher education by helping to bridge the academic gap between high school and college. NOW helps prepare students for college readiness. In 2010, educating through experience, committed organizers launched the first HBCU Tour Experience. NOW launched its first college preparatory workshops culminating with the HBCU Tour in 2011.
The HBCU Tour is a culmination of seven to eight months of college preparatory workshops. The tour includes round trip airfare, ground transportation, lodging, campus guided tours, and visits to historical and cultural sites.
Co-Founders
ALVIN & BARBARA BOLTON
Alvin Bolton is the President of NOW. Committed to sharing with youth the importance of a college education, Alvin holds an MBA from Morrison University. He currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Nevada Army National Guard.
Barbara Bolton is the Executive Director and primary contact for NOW. Passionate about education and helping youth achieve their maximum potential, Barbara holds an MBA from Northcentral University. She is employed with the State of Nevada. In May 2011 and January 2012, she received the NAACP Youth Advocate and Community Awards.
​
The Boltons have two daughters.
ONDRA & MARGO BERRY
Ondra Berry is the Vice President of NOW. He is committed to raising the awareness of NOW by seeking donations and sponsorships. Ondra holds an MPA degree from the University of Nevada Reno. He is currently employed at MGM Resorts and serves as Brigadier General for the Nevada National Air Guard. A former Assistant Chief of Police, he is also a motivational speaker and published author, AYOBA: The Spirit of Awareness.
Margo Berry is the Assistant Secretary of NOW. She is committed to raising the awareness and encouraging students to pursue a college degree. Retired as a phlebotomist, Margo is currently CPR Certified. The Berrys have three children and three grandchildren.